Skip to main content
O-LevelBiologyEnzymes5090/22 · May/June 2022 · Q412 Marks

There are many different types of amino acid. One of these is phenylalanine. The diagram shows the structure of a molecule of phenylalanine. [Figure 4.0 showing the chemical structure of phenylalanine: NH2-CH2-C(COOH)-H] (a) Phenylalanine is metabolised by an enzyme with the name PAH. (i) Name the human organ that metabolises amino acids such as phenylalanine. [1] (ii) Explain how the shape of a PAH enzyme molecule is important to enable phenylalanine to be metabolised. [3] (b) A rare gene mutation reduces the activity of the PAH enzyme. The mutation results in an increased concentration of phenylalanine in the blood. This condition can cause damage to the brain. (i) Describe what is meant by the term gene mutation. [2] (ii) Explain how a person with the condition should change their diet to reduce the risk of damage to the brain. [3] (iii) The gene mutation produces a recessive allele, h. A person with a heterozygous genotype is described as a carrier. A carrier will not show symptoms of the condition. Complete the genetic diagram to show the probability of two carriers reproducing to have offspring with the condition. [Figure 4.1 showing a Punnett square for gametes and offspring] gametes probability of offspring with the condition [3]

  1. (a)(i)Name the human organ that metabolises amino acids such as phenylalanine.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Explain how the shape of a PAH enzyme molecule is important to enable phenylalanine to be metabolised.[3]
  3. (b)(i)Describe what is meant by the term gene mutation.[2]
  4. (b)(ii)Explain how a person with the condition should change their diet to reduce the risk of damage to the brain.[3]
  5. (b)(iii)The gene mutation produces a recessive allele, h. A person with a heterozygous genotype is described as a carrier. A carrier will not show symptoms of the condition. Complete the genetic diagram to show the probability of two carriers reproducing to have offspring with the condition. gametes [Figure 4.1 showing a Punnett square for gametes and offspring] probability of offspring with the condition[3]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] liver ;
  2. [1] active site;
  3. [1] complementary / specific / lock and key / fits ;
  4. [1] binds / bonds to / combines with AW ;
  5. [1] enzyme-substrate complex / ES complex ;
  6. [1] change / alter / modify ;
  7. [1] gene structure / DNA structure / base sequence / nucleotide sequence ;
  8. [1] eat less protein / eat food low in phenylalanine ;
  9. [1] eat less named protein-containing food ;
  10. [1] proteins + digested to / broken down to / made of + amino acids ;
  11. [1] (gametes) H + h AND H + h;
  12. [1] (offspring) HH + Hh + Hh + hh / correct genotypes for gametes ;
  13. [1] (probability) 25% / 1/4 / 1 in 4 / 1:3 / 0.25 ;

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Enzymes, O-Level Biology (syllabus 5090). Structured question, 12 marks.
Source
O-Level Biology, May/June 2022 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 4.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Biology questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep